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NSCN (I-M) ato kilonser Th. Muivah has affirmed that there was no question of giving up Naga sovereignty and integration issue.
Maintaining that NSCN (I-M) would never give up both issues, he said there were “some people” who were trying to create situations in a very “treacherous” manner by spreading “meaningless propagandas”.
Addressing hundreds of Nagas from Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar (Burma), who joined the celebration of 69th “Naga Independence” Friday at NSCN (I-M)’s council headquarters, Hebron, Th. Muivah assured the Nagas that the talk was inclusive of “our sovereign right and integration”. No force could stop the Nagas from exercising their rights, he added.

During several rounds of talks between government of India and NSCN (I-M), Muivah said the group had categorically pointed out that Nagas have been kept divided by the external forces and not by Nagas themselves and that they (Nagas) have every right to be integrated into one.

“Nagas have every right to be one, to live as one under our own administration, this right can never be questioned by anyone…we are standing for integration at any cost, we have to work it out” said Muivah.
Time and again, Muivah said NSCN (I-M) have told government of India that whenever any problem arise between Nagas and the “neighbouring people”, government of India attempt to “please others” at the expense of the Nagas, which, he said was an “insult” to the Nagas.

Muivah said NSCN (I-M) have been maintaining that without integration there would be no solution whatsoever and that if government of India wanted to solve Naga issue it should honour integration of the Nagas.
After many rounds of talks, he said government of India also understood the “unique history and unique situation” of the Nagas and agreed to find out a way to “work out” for integration as there were “some practical difficulties”.
Stating that Nagas today want to understand their neighbours and respect their rights, he said likewise the neighbours should also respect the rights of the Nagas as it was the “only way to understand each other”.
On sovereignty, Muivah said that Nagas would never give up their sovereign rights and would not choose to be under the Indians by ignoring their history.

He said Nagas and India have come to understand each other and for which they have recently signed a “framework agreement” respecting the wishes of people for sharing the sovereign power as defined in the competencies.
Earlier, in his key note address, Muivah highlighted the political talks and the recently signed Naga Peace Accord. He reiterated that time has come for the Nagas to “come together and understand each other”.

Muivah said if Nagas failed to grab the opportunity this time it would be a loss for the Nagas. He once again called upon other NPGs/ factions to understand each other regardless of the past and work together for a solution for the best of the Nagas. A presidential address of NSCN (I-M) president Isak Chishi Swu was read out by kilo kilonser Rh. Raising.

The chief guest, Th. Muivah also hosted the Naga national flag which was followed by parade GFTHQ, Naga army. The gathering was also enthralled by Lotha Sentahn cultural troupe, Dimapur with a folkdance, Chakhesang Patriotic folksong by Diphupar and a cultural presentation by Dimasa Bamunpukhuri.

Invocation was said by Rev. Vitovi (CNC), silent prayer in remembrance of martyrs was led by general secretary CNC Rev. Seksim Kasar, vote of thanks by convenor organizing committee V. Horam and benediction by CHQ Church Hebron Pastor Rev. Joseph Ruivah. Nagaland Post

My beloved people, I thank the Almighty God for giving me this opportunity once again to greet you all on this historic day. I also thank all of you for your unwavering support and unceasing prayers for the cause in all weathers. History will ever speak of how our people stood their ground even during the worst kind of situation in our struggle for national future.

I pay homage to all the martyrs who had given their supreme sacrifices for the nation. I assure you that their sacrifices will never go in vain. Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim will never forget those war orphans and widows. I salute all the national workers for their undaunted spirit at all times of national trials and ordeals in upholding and defending the rights of the Naga people. I urge upon each one of you to stand together to building our land for the future generations deserve a better world where they can live with pride and dignity.

My dear countrymen, after nearly two decades of enduring and sustained negotiations with the Government of India (GoI) we have now come to a concrete “framework Agreement” which was signed on August 3, 2015.

I strongly reiterate that the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) is firmly committed to bring about a lasting and an honourable political solution based on the ‘unique history and situation of the Nagas,’ and also the universal principle that sovereignty is vested in the people, not the government. Therefore, I want to inform our people that the “framework Agreement” is the foundation upon which an honourable solution that will be acceptable to both India and the Nagas will be built.

The ceremony of signing the ‘framework agreement’ at 7 Race Course Road at New Delhi was done in the presence of the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, RN. Ravi, Interlocutor to the GoI, Chief of Army Staff, General Dalbir Singh Suhag and other dignitaries of the GoI. The Naga delegation led by our Ato Kilonser, Mr. Th. Muivah, the chief negotiator of NSCN and senior members of the organization including the members of Collective Leadership.

We appreciate the statesmanship of Prime Ministr of India Mr. Narendra Modi for his wisdom and courage to understand and recognize the Naga issue as a political. We are also thankful to the former Indian Prime Ministers who all had played exceptionally positive roles to strengthening the peace process by removing obstacles. The Naga people respect the former Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narashimha Rao who had the courage to officially state that the Naga issue is political, which calls for political solution. It was he who laid the foundation of political talks on the three agreed terms:- 1. Talks at Prime Ministerial level 2. Talks without condition and 3. Talks in third countries. Mr. HD. Deve Gowds, the then Prime Minister , carried the initiative forwards unreservedly and eventually, it was during the tenure of Mr. IK. Gujral that the cease-fire agreement between the GoI and the NSCN was declared in the Indian Parliament.

We give our honor to Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India for taking the bold historic step in recognizing the “unique history and situation of the Nagas.” We are also thankful to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh under whose leadership the GoI tabled the “Non-Paper proposal.” We give our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the above mentioned Indian leaders for their political acumen and courage in their strife to bring about an honourable solution to the Indi-Naga problem.

The eighteen years long negotiations with the GoI is one of the longest in the world history. The negotiations have not been an easy task. There are several reasons, which prolonged the process, but the Nagas have been very patient and determined. Therefore, we could have come this far. I assure the Naga people that the peace agreement that is to be finalized in its entirety will lead to a permanent political settlement, which will entail in an enduring peaceful co-existence of the two entities.

It is our commitment to take everyone on board who support, respect and uphold the historical and political rights of the Naga people. We are open for any opinions and views that will strengthen the Naga family. Many new challenges lay ahead of us that will threaten our very existence, We assure you that any elements, within and without, that tend to destroy the Naga nation shall be contained at any coast. I fervently appeal to all Nagas wherever they are to continue to march together to the last. I also appeal to all Nagas wherever they are to continue to march together to the last. I also appeal to our brothers and sisters in other camps to join the Naga national political line and work together to building our nation.

Dear countrymen, today we have laid the foundation for the best possible solution to our issue. We have not surrendered our rights to anyone. We believe our future is secured in our own hand. The dissenting voices are all anticipated but we cannot afford to miss the good opportunity because it will be very costly for us. Nagas today are matured enough to discern who is who and what is what. Young generation should not hesitate to voice out their concern for the future at this crucial juncture of our history. And we, on our part, will continue to negotiate with the GoI upholding the historical and political rights of the Nagas.

I, on behalf of NSCN and Naga people would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the civil societies – Naga Hoho, ENPO, United Naga Council, FNR, Naga Mothers Association, Naga Women Union, Naga Students Federation, Alll Naga Students Association, Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, All the Naga Tribal Hohos and GBs Associations, concerned Naga Senior Citizens Forum, Intellectual Forums, and others for their untiring and consistent support for the cause. Ialso thank all the people and communities in Nagalim including the Nepalis, Gorkhas, Dimasas, Kacharis, Meities, Kukis, Paites, Mizo, Zhou, Gangte, Zomi, Hmars, Garos and business communities for their constant support and contributions to the Indo-Naga peace process. My gratitude also goes to the people of India and some coivil societies who have lent their support to the peace process.

We are also indebted to the UN Human Rights bodies, UNPO, KREDDA, Forum for Asia, KWAI, PNSD, NISC, European Alliance, Society for RThreatened People, International Alliance of the Indigenous – Tribal Peoples of the Tropical Forest, AIPP and many other who extended their kind support to the Indo-Naga peace process. My deepest gratitude to all those peoples and nations who understood the cause of the Nagas and extended their moral support to it.

Finally, I aaure our Naga people that NSCN shall give their best efforts to conclude the August 3, 2015 “framework Agreement” in a most honourable way acceptable to both India and the Nagas. KUknalim.

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‘Gen’ (Retd) Viyalie Metha, Kedahge, FGN

Dear Fellow Countrymen,

As we gather today to celebrate our 69th Independence Day, let us all give thanks to God who has preserved our Nation through all the past 68 years of trials and adversities. It is now sixty eight years since our national leaders hoisted our flag on August 14, 1947 and declared our independence to the world. Our flag was hoisted at a time when great changes were taking place all over the world. That period in human history marked the end of the Whiteman’s colonial rule over most of the world. This colonial rule began when the Portuguese first established their forts at Cochin in 1506 after Vas Co Da Gama discovered India in 1489. Prior to these events, Asia and the Mongolian races had mostly ruled the world. But in a reversal of history, by the end of the 19th century, Europe which comprised of only 6.5% of the earth’s surface conquered almost the whole world and ruled it for nearly five centuries (1506 to late 1940s). This chapter of the Whiteman’s rule however came to an end with the end of the Second World War in 1945. Thus, a world war which was started by Europe finally ended European rule of almost the whole world for five centuries.

The end of this European colonial era ushered in a worldwide political revival of nationalism where many nations that had lost their sovereignties to the colonial rulers got back their independence. And as the spirit of nationalism swept across Africa, the Middle East and Asia, our national leaders also declared our Independence on 14th August 1947.

In the subsequent years, between 1945 to 1960 altogether, 36 nations became independent. Also when the UNO was formed on Oct.24, 1945, there were only 35 nation states in its membership. However by the end of 1970, the membership of nations in the U.N. swelled up to 127. This happened when the newly recognized nations from the third world became full-fledged members of the UN. Today, the total membership of the UNO stands at 193 nations.

In our case, we Nagas declared our independence and raised our flag way ahead of many of these other nations that got their independence in the 1950’s and 60’s. However, because of India’s forceful invasion and occupation of our land, for all the past 68 years, we have had to defend our decal independence with our blood and our tears. Indian troops invaded our land in the mid 1950’s and since then, have been militarily trying to subjugate us with heinous laws like the Disturbed Area Act of 1955, the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 and the so called Unlawful Activities Prevention Act of 1967 etc.

Fellow countryman, sixty nine years is a long period in an individual’s life, but in the life of a nation, 69 years is, but a speck in human history. And today, as the nation celebrates our 69th Independence Day, I call upon all Nagas to salute all the thousands of our past heroes and heroines who have laid down their lives in defense of our independence. The names of all these patriots shall forever be remembered in the annals of our history. I also call upon all our citizens to uphold all our present national workers who are doing their respective works without any personal gains.

Looking back at our troubled history for the past 68 years, I also call upon all citizens of Nagaland to recollect and uphold the following facts and their implications:

1. Based on the recorded historical facts of having inhabited our native land for over two thousand years, we declared our independence on 14th August 1947. Even prior to this formal declaration of our independence, we Nagas had always existed as a free independent country owing no allegiances to any other nations or governments in human history. And though about 30% of our ancient territory came under British administration for a short period of 68 years i.e. 1880 to 1947, we never signed any treaties of surrender or capitulation to the British Colonial Power.

Also, prior to the British departure from their South Asian Empire in 1947, we had clearly told the British that we would remain sovereign as before. This was done through the submission of Naga Memorandum to the Simon Commission on January 10, 1929.

M. Kiumukam Yimchunger, president N N C (N/A)

(From previous issue…)

After that, the Naga National Council after clearly acknowledging the world, boycotted the First Indian Parliamentary Election in the year 1952. My dear countrymen, we the NNC (N-A), basing on our Motto “Sovereignty Peace & Unity, still stand against tyranny and oppression like our elders did in the past for a nation’s character, like that of an individual, is elusive but we still stand tall. A nation’s character is produced partly by things we have done and partly by what has been done to us. Today is a day that comes so rarely, when our elders embraced our own “Freedom” and as we celebrate today, we should not forget that this is only a step nearer for an opportunity to the greater triumphs and achievements that eagerly awaits us. Yet, are we brave enough and wise enough to grasp this opportunity and accept the challenges that awaits us? “Freedom” as we speak, is taken so very lightly by us but in reality, freedom brings responsibility and that the responsibility rests upon the Naga National Council (Non-Accordist), which is a sovereign body that doesn’t bow down before the feet of our invaders and never surrendered before our oppressors.

Thus it is our God given right to represent the sovereign people of all Nagas in general. We have endured our own shares of pains of labour and I am sure that our hearts still carries the sorrows. Nevertheless, the past has gone and it is the future that beckons to us at this moment. Our service to nation means the service to all the Nagas and so we have to labour and to work, and work hard so that we may achieve our ultimate goal one day.

Dear Nagas, we are your representatives and thus we make an appeal to all Nagas to join us with faith and confidence in the fight for our rights. Brothers, Sisters and specially the Naga Political Groups irrespective of all factions and groups, I hereby declare that I am sad to say that we the Naga National Workers have become an utterly victimized due to our own internal diabolic intent that makes a deep painful process in the Naga Political Future totally bleak and darkness among us and we are facing the present problems together in a dilemma.

A true leader of nationalism could have easily evaded from the wrong to a right way so that what we are seeing or facing today should have never come to our Naga Political Issues. We the NNC (N/A) hope that if the leaders from different groups could come to an understanding and voice out as one unified nation, then the Nagas would not have been so hard to come out in picture. So, today it is my humble plea to all Nagas including all Naga Political Groups that lets not waste our time in destructive criticism and blaming others for we have to build a home of free Nagas where all the people of this great nation may dwell now and in days to come. Lets not forget that the turning point is past and history begins anew, the history which we shall live and act and others will write about. So, lets face this nation’s freedom together in the spirit of a free and disciplined people.

Our next thoughts must be of the unknown volunteers and soldiers of freedom who, without praise or reward have served this nation even unto death. They were of us and shall remain of us. We shall work hard keeping in mind the sacrifices that they offered so that their sacrifices shall not perish in the wind. We will not sleep till we make all the people of this nation what destiny intended them to become, only then we shall redeem our pledge in full.

To achieve this goal though, we need cooperation for without cooperation of all Nagas, it shall be impossible to achieve our ultimate goal. Yet, lets not assume that the days which lie ahead of us are bitter ones because I’m sure that at some distant day, on this very day, we shall repay the price of our elders who willingly sacrificed themselves in the alter of freedom. It is not the enumeration of intolerable wrongs that our elders did for embracing this very day of “Independence” and it is not the melancholy catalogue of alternate oppression and entreaty or remonstrance upon which we celebrate this day. It is also not that the justice of our cause were vindicated by our invaders that in a conflict raging more than 60 years; more than 60 years of un-imaginable sufferings in the hands of our invaders, we still maintain this declaration of independence which shall one day become the history of civilized Naga nation. Let us let the world hear a unanimous voice of unified Nagas so that our oppressors shall be compelled to recognized us as a Sovereign and Independent nation and that the nation, whose feelings of fraternity for us had slumbered in their hands of pride, shall one day be awakened in the arms of humiliation for granting our God given rights.

The cause of our sovereignty is no longer in trail for the final sentences upon it has long since been accepted and pass upon earth and ratified in heaven. The true purpose upon the declaration of independence by our elders, the purpose which is of every age and every clime; the purpose which quickens with the lapse of time, spreads as it grows older and brightens as it recedes, is in the principles of the declaration of independence itself. It was the first solemn declaration as a nation of the only legitimate foundations laid down by our elders.

From the day of this declaration, the people of this nation were no longer the fragment of a distant empire, imploring justice and mercy from an inexorable master in another hemisphere. We were no longer the children appealing in vain to the sympathies of a heartless mother; no longer subjects leaning upon the shattered columns of royal promises and invoking faith of parchment to secure our rights. We will act over this, but we shall not let it be repeated. To this very day, the declaration stands and must forever stand. It should stand forever, as a light of admonition to the rulers of men, a light of salvation and redemption to the oppressed. Today we are assembled here to bless the Author of our being for the bounties of His providence, in casting our lot in this favored land; to remember with effusions of gratitude the sages who put forth and the heroes who bled for the establishment of this “Declaration of Independence.”

“Freedom means you are unobstructed in living your life as you choose. Anything less is a form of slavery”. It is clear that we the Nagas are being kept as slaves by our invaders which we will never tolerate now and in days to come as the Nagas were free, living a life of their own choices even before our oppressors invaded our country. We were born as free men and we shall live a life as free men but if our invaders don’t provide the Nagas what we deserve, we, the Naga National Council (Non-Accordist) shall die fighting for our God given rights as a nation and as a human. We were born as free men and as free men, we shall die. On the contrary, the Naga people are facing a new political development through the signing of “Peace Accord” by the NSCN-I.M. with the government of India and on this context, I assure you that this accord is not the solution of the Naga struggle neither it is to be treated as final, until all the contexts are revealed to the people of Nagaland. We the NNC (N/A) hope that our almighty God shall awaken our great leaders sense of love and understanding though we have been diverged from each other for some valuable number of years.

Lastly, the President of the NNC (N/A) on this auspicious day, proudly salute to those who fought against our invaders for our homeland and lost their precious life, honorably sacrificed for the cause of defending our Nagas birth right and again, whoever were victimized & remain crippled in the hands of invaders while performing their assigned works for the nation, we pray that our almighty God provide solace to those brave souls who were victimized while defending the nationalism of Nagas for I assure you all that their sacrifices shall not be in vain.